today 143
today 143
In order to ensure the reliable operation of the two suburban railway lines in the Zurich Transport Network (ZVV), Sihltal Zurich Uetliberg Railways (SZU) has purchased a Plasser MultiCrafter 12.5 E³ C/I for efficient ancillary work along the railway line. With the hybrid-powered track motor vehicle, the Swiss transport company is paving the way for an even more sustainable maintenance strategy.
The name "MultiCrafter" says it all: the vehicle impresses with its versatile range of applications. With a large loading platform and a crane for a wide variety of tasks, the machine is optimally equipped for work on and around the track. Thanks to the high transfer-travel speed of up to 80 km/h, staff and materials are brought to the worksite quickly and safely. The rotating cab, from where the crane is controlled, guarantees an optimum view of the working area at all times. A wide range of accessories such as load hooks, cable winches, timber and rail grippers, and roller rail clamps allow the crane to be used for a wide variety of tasks. With its powerful snow removal equipment, the MultiCrafter ensures smooth operations even in adverse weather conditions.
Sustainable with hybrid drive technology
The innovative E³ drive system enables emission-free running and working – either via the overhead contact line (C) or with a diesel-electric powerpack (I), which can be operated in a practically carbon-neutral way with HVO fuel. Thanks to two powered bogies, the vehicle has excellent traction for demanding sections of track, such as the adhesion railway to the Uetliberg mountain with an uphill gradient of up to 79‰. This enables high towing loads even on the steepest sections. Three integrated independent braking systems – wheel disc brake, magnetic track brake, and electric regenerative brake – ensure additional safety.
Focus on occupational safety and ergonomic design
Machines in the MultiCrafter series are a development of the tried-and-tested OBW series. Different equipment options and lengths are available. The SZU vehicle has a bogie pivot distance of 12.5 m, which is the more compact design.
However, this compactness combines maximum occupational safety and ergonomic comfort, and the attractively designed work and driving cabs have been optimized for even more user-friendliness. Features such as height limitation and adjacent track limitation ensure safe crane work, even when the overhead contact line is switched on or when the adjacent track is in service. In addition, the machine was already prepared for retrofitting it with the ETCS system – an important step towards a digital future.
With the MultiCrafter 12.5 E³, SZU has acquired a technologically advanced vehicle that combines high functionality with environmental awareness.
The Polish construction company Budimex is expanding its machine fleet with the modern motor tower car, the Plasser CatenaryCrafter 12.5. This complements their existing fleet, which already includes several Plasser & Theurer tamping machines, ballast profiling machines, and a track stabilizer.
The CatenaryCrafter series is the next development step in the proven MTW series and impresses with its modular design. With a bogie pivot distance of 12.5 m, it corresponds to the dimensions of the successful MTW 100.216 model, but offers advantages for maintenance work and spare parts management thanks to its new modular design. Ergonomic driving and work cabs at both ends and an additional integrated workshop and crew cab provide space for up to eight people and enable preparatory work to be carried out directly on board.
The high-performance railway crane and the freely moving work platform make the CatenaryCrafter ideal for inspection and maintenance work on existing overhead line systems as well as for new construction projects. With a self-propelled maximum speed of up to 100 km/h, the machine reaches the worksite quickly.
